<![CDATA[ Latest from Windows Central ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com Fri, 01 May 2026 18:28:06 +0000 en <![CDATA[ ON THIS DAY: Microsoft will focus on desktops with UWP — here's why you should care ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/on-this-day-windows-10/microsoft-will-focus-on-desktops-with-uwp-heres-why-you-should-care-clone q2z8CbmuZfrUW6ibPbroqQ Fri, 01 May 2026 18:28:06 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft will hide Windows 11's annoying MSN feed by default as it moves to reduce ads and noise across the OS ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-will-hide-windows-11s-annoying-msn-feed-by-default-as-it-moves-to-reduce-ads-and-noise-across-the-os d4odj5ZYiJwTGRSVGc6ysh Fri, 01 May 2026 17:17:02 +0000 Fri, 01 May 2026 17:28:29 +0000 <![CDATA[ Xbox added its new logo to dynamic backgrounds faster than I expected, as CEO Asha Sharma confirms: "Dropping today" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-added-its-new-logo-to-dynamic-backgrounds-faster-than-i-expected tsNat9SveYmcMCgCXtMJEe Fri, 01 May 2026 16:08:42 +0000 <![CDATA[ This 4TB SSD hits 7,000MB/s read speeds, perfect for PC gaming — I can't believe it's $914 CHEAPER than normal with a discount not seen at Amazon ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/storage/wd-black-sn7100-ssd-deal SWFeVCWLedaK4aguUVknj6 Fri, 01 May 2026 15:53:28 +0000 <![CDATA[ Roblox’s new Reality mode shows how far NVIDIA’s DLSS 5 AI upscaling can push a simple game ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/roblox-reality-nvidia-dlss-5-ai-upscaling EJoSnqK9Exgd6eUQ8HNiYZ Fri, 01 May 2026 14:08:33 +0000 Fri, 01 May 2026 17:45:15 +0000 <![CDATA[ "I found a project that completely solves this": PS5 and DualShock controllers get full wireless features on PC thanks to a new hack ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/github-hack-ps5-dualshock-pc-gaming-wireless 6wcj7KuzpBNCNvSyL7gFVT Fri, 01 May 2026 13:14:18 +0000 Fri, 01 May 2026 17:46:44 +0000 <![CDATA[ Everything we know about the Forza Horizon 6 Festival Playlist so far ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/forza/everything-we-know-about-the-forza-horizon-6-festival-playlist-so-far byfj3xMNQyYS8vnQsCga48 Fri, 01 May 2026 13:10:01 +0000 <![CDATA[ Everyone has an opinion on Microsoft’s spending, but the real story is what the numbers say about its position ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/is-microsoft-spending-from-a-position-of-strength-or-playing-catch-up ecMPTQN4xXPFrTg96X8Ew7 Fri, 01 May 2026 09:06:58 +0000 Fri, 01 May 2026 17:43:08 +0000 <![CDATA[ Windows 11 KB5083631 update released with major explorer.exe reliability upgrades, AI agent support, Xbox mode, and more ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-11-kb5083631-update-released-with-major-explorer-exe-reliability-upgrades-ai-agent-support-and-more phF3VoLbETFHanCfFdDw6i Fri, 01 May 2026 00:31:48 +0000 Fri, 01 May 2026 00:37:56 +0000 <![CDATA[ As Xbox fans push for Microsoft to return to exclusive games, analysts report they're the "number one reason" players use consoles — "41% of respondents cited that" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/as-xbox-fans-push-for-a-return-to-exclusive-games-analysts-report-theyre-the-number-one-reason-players-use-consoles mWymHtuK49UAjj266GoDic Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:55:01 +0000 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:57:17 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Xbox Mode is here”: Microsoft rolls out console-style experience on Windows 11, barely meeting its own deadline ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-mode-is-here-microsoft-rolls-out-console-style-experience-on-windows-11-barely-meeting-its-own-deadline hPKfLYFhksLAAnrmfQN8Xa Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:17:51 +0000 <![CDATA[ "I just wanted to take Solstice ... and kind of blow it up a little bit": This solo Xbox dev has built a puzzle gauntlet with metroidvania leanings, and it's coming soon ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/indies-idxbox/oolo-xbox-play-anywhere-preview k6Tag4VT3RuyiqCe3BuiQ5 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:11:14 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Absolutely ridiculous, and completely unjustifiable": World of Warcraft causes a stir — new cosmetic 'houses' cost as much as an entire expansion ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/world-of-warcraft-causes-a-stir-new-cosmetic-houses-cost-as-much-as-an-entire-expansion imChNRevo7YRFxCDL3r59a Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:44:56 +0000 Fri, 01 May 2026 16:19:56 +0000 <![CDATA[ Xbox's new April Update brings awesome improvements to Xbox and PC, including one I've wanted Microsoft to add for years — here's what's new ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xboxs-new-april-update-brings-awesome-improvements-to-xbox-and-pc-including-one-ive-wanted-microsoft-to-add-for-years yDtjbjkPUYxp24pfmfmPJC Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:57:39 +0000 <![CDATA[ PlayStation 5 players are now getting more from this Xbox first-party game than Xbox owners ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/playstation-5-players-are-now-getting-more-from-this-xbox-first-party-game-than-xbox-owners BYcHYuNT7CR2GHHrHBxfcE Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:10:18 +0000 <![CDATA[ Windows Phone 8 is getting a second life thanks to 8Marketplace, patched Twitter app, and more ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/windows-phone/windows-phone-8-is-getting-a-second-life-thanks-to-8marketplace-patched-twitter-app-and-more WN3xkLSPSMb2AXCobxsQgi Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:53:13 +0000 <![CDATA[ "With our partners, we’ve been committed to continual updates": The Xbox Ally range picks up BIG enhancements to boost the TV experience — with AutoSR in tow ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pc/the-xbox-ally-range-picks-up-big-enhancements-to-boost-the-tv-experience-with-autosr UoivEtypUc9XreYvL5xyDa Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:04:35 +0000 <![CDATA[ "It's not even stocked in major retail stores, you know": One Japanese indie developer directly addresses a lack of Xbox presence ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/japanese-indie-developer-directly-addresses-a-lack-of-xbox-presence Ak9UvcXopzvfWM4FsvgB6M Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:17:51 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Another comical decision": Warcraft 3: Legacy just landed on Battle.net, but the Reforged disaster isn't over ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/warcraft-3-legacy-battle-net-launch iEySu6mkDqxLGNMzEMyuHe Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:45:32 +0000 <![CDATA[ "I can't go back to flat mice": Logitech MX Vertical ergonomic mouse drops to $74.99 ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/accessories/i-cant-go-back-to-flat-mice-logitech-mx-vertical-ergonomic-mouse-drops-to-usd74-99 P2tEg5QcXvB4sMn2GTW8wS Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:46:49 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft should steal concepts from this Windows redesign project: Envisioning an ad‑free Windows 11 without AI clutter ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-should-steal-concepts-from-this-windows-redesign-project jHTFE2qbSfLaUFaB2KjS9L Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:23:19 +0000 Fri, 01 May 2026 04:11:21 +0000 <![CDATA[ “We know we have work to do to earn every player”: Xbox CEO admits growth is falling short ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/we-know-we-have-work-to-do-to-earn-every-player-xbox-ceo-admits-growth-is-falling-short kj5PzNYTtZkfiaMjBAbzea Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:05:40 +0000 <![CDATA[ France threw a funeral for Windows 10 — complete with a coffin and chants of Microsoft's "programmed obsolescence" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/france-threw-a-funeral-for-windows-10-complete-with-a-coffin UdraQbZMvLvBUki7dsCZAk Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:09:14 +0000 <![CDATA[ Discord on Windows Phone 7 in 2026? This fan-made app is a surprising moment of revival for a long-forgotten platform ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/windows-phone/discord-on-windows-phone-7-in-2026 r2RwvTdzKjqeSZnP9B4fXB Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:10:38 +0000 Fri, 01 May 2026 08:15:44 +0000 <![CDATA[ "We're doing the work required to win back fans across Windows and Xbox": Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says the company is making foundational changes to fix Windows 11 and Xbox ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/were-doing-the-work-required-to-win-back-fans-across-windows-and-xbox-microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-says-the-company-is-making-foundational-changes-to-fix-windows-11-and-xbox 9kyVc5v8SBNa4mE8X79PLE Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:34:48 +0000 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:34:05 +0000 <![CDATA[ Analysts react to Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass price drop from CEO Asha Sharma, believe it "should help subscriber numbers grow" — "Not surprising at all" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/analysts-react-to-microsofts-xbox-game-pass-price-drop-believe-it-should-help-subscriber-numbers-grow SSQM85Zqy3RqwtjnKXQNgk Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:42:23 +0000 <![CDATA[ "This was detrimental to Halo Infinite's post-release development": New Halo report reveals just how destructive "mass culling" Microsoft layoffs were at Halo Studios ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/halo/new-halo-report-reveals-just-how-destructive-mass-culling-microsoft-layoffs-were-at-halo-studios 73RuVqJqhDXfkH8i2ydi55 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:30:37 +0000 <![CDATA[ We’ve tested the April 2026 Windows 11 update, and its 11 improvements genuinely make the OS feel better ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/11-big-windows-11-changes-in-april-2026-you-need-to-know-right-now 4zSkwke7wSxFP9zDS9xRKE Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:16:23 +0000 <![CDATA[ Razer's PS5 controller also makes for an amazing PC gamepad with TMR analog sticks and 2000Hz Polling Rates — and with this deal, it's a no-brainer ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/accessories/razers-ps5-controller-also-makes-for-an-amazing-pc-gamepad-with-tmr-analog-sticks-and-2000hz-polling-rates-and-with-this-deal-its-a-no-brainer ESfXQtV2MZ8ng6SydAcwJk Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:32:58 +0000 <![CDATA[ A modder got Halo: Combat Evolved running natively on Nintendo Switch without cloud streaming ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/halo/a-modder-got-halo-combat-evolved-running-natively-on-nintendo-switch-and-its-shockingly-smooth-without-cloud-streaming nBDJ9xRvrYLbcFgRYsYnb4 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:19:19 +0000 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:27:56 +0000 <![CDATA[ "It's something we're working very hard on": Valve promises it's working on a Steam Deck restock after it sold out amid the RAM shortage, but the memory crisis isn't over ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pc/valve-promises-its-working-on-a-steam-deck-restock-after-it-sold-out-amid-the-ram-shortage gocnJKUAHEEVFPFzsojnKa Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:10:07 +0000 <![CDATA[ The OG Xbox Lives: Reverse-engineered dashboard brings the 2001 "Console Experience" to PC ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/the-og-xbox-lives-reverse-engineered-dashboard-brings-the-2001-console-experience-to-pc pyq9XfVFRBizFQTYkSBSP6 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:56:03 +0000 Fri, 01 May 2026 14:29:26 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Halo Infinite was intended to act as a central hub”: I’m digging into the alleged 343 roadmap and how ambitious its original plans for the franchise really were ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/halo/halo-infinite-was-intended-to-act-as-a-central-hub-im-digging-into-the-alleged-343-roadmap-and-how-ambitious-its-original-plans-for-the-franchise-really-were gJKGVuGtv2tTm83J73S63E Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:49:28 +0000 <![CDATA[ "The best flight stick I've ever used": This high-end customizable HOTAS with OLED HUD gets a massive $100 discount ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/turtle-beach-velocityone-flightdeck-deal FzVcVUXF6FHgDTWYkHf3sX Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:38:37 +0000 <![CDATA[ “Strengthening the Xbox identity”: We’re looking at why Microsoft is giving Xbox and Mojang employees their own branded emails ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/strengthening-the-xbox-identity-were-looking-at-why-microsoft-is-giving-xbox-and-mojang-employees-their-own-branded-emails z5YfbaBpGYZu8pB6hcRVJJ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:30:30 +0000 <![CDATA[ Xbox glitch + Wasteland Remastered + free game recovery: If you claimed this free game, here is why your copy won’t work and how to fix it ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-glitch-wasteland-remastered-free-game-recovery-if-you-claimed-this-free-game-here-is-why-your-copy-wont-work-and-how-to-fix-it NxSDqF54pG5BM9EFhwboNG Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:56:14 +0000 <![CDATA[ ON THIS DAY: Continuum will be built into Windows 10 for Phones, turning your phone into a PC ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/on-this-day-continuum-will-be-built-into-windows-10-for-phones-turning-your-phone-into-a-pc-clone 3L7Z8QZ7QyrQ7VUEafqU5S Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:33:23 +0000 Fri, 01 May 2026 18:22:17 +0000 <![CDATA[ Windows K2 status tracker: Keeping tabs on every Windows 11 commitment Microsoft has made in 2026 ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-k2-status-tracker-windows-11-commitments tdHnB7ytXdG8WMK3b9q6KP Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:48:42 +0000 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:56:57 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Why it actually matters": Inside the Xbox publishing overhaul designed to win back frustrated developers ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/why-it-actually-matters-inside-the-xbox-publishing-overhaul-designed-to-win-back-frustrated-developers tysByphCwSuATofFtNhrJm Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:14:53 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Still one of the best webcams with 4K and Windows Hello" — the Logitech BRIO 4K hits its lowest price in months ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/accessories/mice/still-one-of-the-best-webcams-with-4k-and-windows-hello-the-logitech-brio-4k-hits-its-lowest-price-in-months ofZK85rvzTWTaYUdFWqyx3 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:56:43 +0000 <![CDATA[ "First time in years I didn't uninstall a WP launcher after 10 minutes": METROV could be a hit if you loved the look of Windows Phone 8.1 ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/windows-phone/metrov-windows-phone-launcher rRxdZguWE5fgWtAc8Q8L6S Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:13:07 +0000 <![CDATA[ You can pick up a $100 Xbox gift card for $83.50 right now, and I'm not kidding — but this "limited offer" won't last for long. ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/you-can-pick-up-a-usd100-xbox-gift-card-for-usd83-50-right-now ymFNJnZELZmHHGcqSdqFeP Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:07:56 +0000 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:10:52 +0000 <![CDATA[ "We’d love to do it": Fan requests spark a playful reply from Double Fine, teasing a return of an iconic OG Xbox platformer ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/fan-requests-double-fine-teasing-iconic-xbox-platformer UygamivMkCTK3WJ44MmAbc Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:15:03 +0000 <![CDATA[ "GitHub is failing me, every single day, and it is personal": After Xbox and Windows, now GITHUB is in crisis — Microsoft, what are you doing? ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/github-is-failing-me-every-single-day-and-it-is-personal-after-xbox-and-windows-now-github-is-in-crisis-microsoft-what-are-you-doing dpSbvyJxBXXUYKuZCX6B24 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:55:09 +0000 <![CDATA[ This wireless mouse is still the "champion of Razer's high-end esports gaming lineup" — and it's even better during this event ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/accessories/mice/this-mouse-is-still-the-champion-of-razers-high-end-esports-gaming-lineup kB3HqbJqyDjyABnLmsU9hR Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:49:45 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft blames Slack's lackluster growth on "inferior capabilities" while Salesforce's antitrust lawsuit targets Teams bundles ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/microsoft-teams/microsoft-blames-slacks-lackluster-growth-on-inferior-capabilities MzwojBqA98tntdXZPpeE8K Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:28:37 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft Teams users are outraged at a new 'Unlock Premium' banner, raising questions about Microsoft's UX designs: "This seems really unprofessional" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/microsoft-teams/microsoft-teams-users-are-outraged-at-a-new-unlock-premium-banner Zw99EJVKZrWhwS3StWh9yZ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:55:09 +0000 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:29:37 +0000 <![CDATA[ "Brewmaster is a little ahead right now": World of Warcraft has a serious tank shortage — instead of nerfing monks, BUFF everything else ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/brewmaster-is-a-little-ahead-right-now-world-of-warcraft-has-a-serious-tank-shortage 4FWWSzcYrruwpN2E649enZ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:10:07 +0000 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:57:08 +0000 <![CDATA[ Microsoft needs to license its abandoned Surface hardware, starting with the Surface Studio — but with a twist ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/surface/microsoft-needs-to-license-its-abandoned-surface-hardware zzthwemC6fjgW9SwvnsgJc Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:41:38 +0000 <![CDATA[ Fallout creator Tim Cain plans to make one last game after rejoining Xbox's Obsidian last year — "I think I am gonna make one more game before I retire again" ]]> https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/fallout-creator-tim-cain-plans-to-make-one-last-game-after-rejoining-xboxs-obsidian-last-year NYcCzfM6UdLaYdU8heSb6K Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:51:43 +0000